Ida and the Whale

PreS-Gr 2--Ida lives a quiet life of solitude high up in a tree house surrounded by a peaceful forest of birch trees and animals. She spends her days gazing out from her little porch, dreaming of what lies beyond her tiny corner of the world. Her dreams come to life when, after a thunderous shake of her tiny tree house in the middle of the night, she discovers a gigantic flying whale at her doorstep. With Ida on his back, the whale embarks on a journey through the clouds to magical and mysterious places: through thick clouds, past the moon and the stars, and to strange upside-down and unfamiliar worlds. Ida is swept away by all the new things she sees, and when she feels uncertain about her new surroundings, the whale is there to protect and reassure her. When a storm comes, Ida is especially happy she has a companion for the journey, but when the storm dies down, she is overwhelmed by homesickness. "I'm right here," the whale reminds her, and Ida remembers that even though she's lonely sometimes, friends are "close together--always." A lesson in empathy and a tribute to friendship, this gentle book provides comfort to readers who might be experiencing unfamiliar change. Whimsical, colorful, and detailed illustrations will captivate young readers with wonder and curiosity. Words and pictures work perfectly in tandem to produce a calming effect. VERDICT An excellent choice for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing, this picture book will inspire compassion and warmth in readers of all ages.--Natalie Romano, Denver Public Library